We know that League members and supporters are leaders in your communities and that you care deeply about the people in our state. You are helpers. We are helpers. We will continue to help empower voters and defend democracy, even in the face of adversity.

At home shopping on Amazon.com? Help us empower voters and shop using Amazon Smile and a percentage will be donated to us! Look for the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund on Amazon smile.
Set it up today, then shop like usual! Thank you!
Want to donate now online?
Donate to the LWVCEF

Joanne was an inspiring leader and we are grateful for her dedicated service to the League and California and she will be dearly missed. You can read more about Joanne's memorial.
We encourage you to make donations in her honor and we will send gift acknowledgement cards to her family.

Join our grassroots action network to advocate on the issues you care about in your community. Sign up to receive our Action Alerts today!
What are we working on?
Check out the legislation we are supporting or opposing in our Bill Status Report.
How do we take action?
Find out more about what we do.

SB 100 (De León) "Enact 100 Percent Renewable and Zero-Carbon Electricity Policy" passed the Assembly late in the day on August 28 with a vote of 44 Yea, 33 No, and 3 abstentions. The first vote in the early afternoon only reached 39 yea votes, but a majority of the 80 members of the Assembly (41 votes) was needed to pass. It was opened again for votes later in the afternoon, and with intense lobbying from the LWV and many others, the vote swung to a majority and a pass.

Sacramento, CA – The League of Women Voters of California recognizes Women’s Equality Day on August 26, 2018, in celebration of the advancements that have been made towards achieving full political, economic, and social equality. The date commemorates the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which granted voting rights for American Women.
We are happy to share a new part of our Secretary of State's website honoring the legacy of women fighting for equality in California.

VICTORY! California Motor Voter – which automatically registers eligible voters when they complete a driver’s license, ID, or change of address transaction at the DMV – completed almost 800,000 voter registration transactions since launching. That includes almost 260,000 new registrations and more than 120,000 updated addresses that wouldn’t have otherwise happened.
Registration is the first step to participation in our democracy. Register now!
Shout out to our amazing coalition partners - defenders of democracy!

In a sign of how modest expectations have become of Californians actually casting ballots, elections officials and advocates alike found relief Monday in the final tally showing 37% of voters cast ballots in June — small compared with total registration but the highest for a nonpresidential primary since 1998.

REV UP! It's National Disability Voter Registration Week July 16-20! REV UP stands 4 Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power! Launched by the American Association of People with Disabilities, AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. REV UP is a nonpartisan initiative focused on voter registration, ed, access, & engagement.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Trudy Schafer, our beloved Senior Director for Program, lobbyist, and friend. For the past 25 years, Trudy made a lasting and transformative impact on California public policy and on the lives of all those she worked with. She was an extraordinary woman, and she leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Our heartfelt condolences to her husband John, her children Anne and Bob, and the entire Schafer family.

If you love our work then tell the world! You have an opportunity to help us make even more of a difference in our community. GreatNonprofits-a review site like TripAdvisor-is honoring highly reviewed nonprofits with their 2018 Top-Rated Awards. Won't you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a review of your experience with us? All reviews will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It’s easy and only takes 3 minutes!
Visit our online review page to get started!

California must lead the way. Our state is feeling the effects of climate change—from severe droughts to devastating wildfires — yet our federal government is refusing to act. We are proud to support Yes on 68 as it takes a smart and efficient approach to protecting California’s natural resources. Proposition 68 will invest $4 billion in securing our state’s water supplies and ensuring every Californian has access to clean drinking water and safe, quality parks.

SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Alex Padilla has unveiled a newly redesigned voter registration card for use throughout California. This is the first major redesign of the voter registration card since 2008. The new voter registration cards are available at the Secretary of State’s office and have been shipped to county elections officials throughout the state. The California voter registration card is available in 10 languages--

Last month we appeared before the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Investment Board to offer our support for California State Treasurer Mr. Chiang’s proposal to divest from companies that deal in weapons that are illegal to own or sell in California.
Watch staffer, Elizabeth Leslie's testimony.

Get ready to vote in the 2018 mid term elections!
1. Make sure you are registered to vote! If you moved, you must re-register to vote.
2. Save these election dates: June 5 & November 6.
3. Before election day, view your ballot and find your polling place using Voter's Edge California

A coalition of PICO California, California Calls, League of Women Voters California, Advancement Project California and Evolve California files ballot measure to close Prop 13 Corporate Tax Loophole, restoring over $11 billion every year for schools and vital local services.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has released an Online Data Tool as well as State Data Briefs. You can pull election data for California and local jurisdictions and compare with others.
Look at the California Fact sheet!

Today the League of Women Voters of California launches the Trudy Schafer Fellowship for Public Policy. Named for our powerhouse lobbyist, the Schafer Fellowship will train and support emerging policy leaders—creating a new cohort of advocates to follow in Trudy’s footsteps to win change and reforms in Sacramento!
To learn more and to support the Schafer Fellowship visit: lwvc.org/schaferfellowship
More about Trudy Schafer's retirement.

The 2017 California legislative session is a wrap, and thanks to supporters like you, we have new laws addressing many of the critical issues we face in California. Because so many of you took action, we’re celebrating major legislative victories:

It is with mixed emotions we are announcing the retirement of Trudy Schafer later this year. Trudy has served as our LWVC Senior Director for Program and lobbyist for 25 transformative years. She is our voice in the Capitol and our most passionate advocate for the power of our grassroots membership to shape California’s future.
Please help us thank and celebrate Trudy for her amazing contributions to California and wish her well as she trades in the daily grind for more time with family, friends, and fun.

The swift action of League supporters like you helped put the California Disclose Act on the governor’s desk. Now we need your help one more time to expose the big money funding campaign ads. Tell Governor Brown to sign AB 249 today, because transparency matters: http://bit.ly/SignAB249

ATTENTION TEACHERS: The California Secretary of State's office created an online toolkit to help you encourage your eligible 16- and 17-year-old students to pre-register to vote! You can download the new PSA, social media posts and other useful information.

The influence of big money in our elections is eroding our democracy. When facing a barrage of manipulative and often dishonest campaign ads, shouldn’t you be able to see who is paying for them? We need your help to make sure big money interests can’t hide their influence in our elections. Tell your legislators that transparency matters and urge them to vote YES on the California Disclose Act, AB 249.

The League of Women Voters of California opposes the WaterFix—twin tunnels the Department of Water Resources proposes to bore under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to move water for urban and agricultural uses in other regions.
Better options exist to address California’s water needs. The Santa Clara Valley has the innovative capacity to develop those options.

Community colleges are a crucial gateway to higher paying jobs, but too many California students face an unnecessary roadblock to academic and career success. Currently, standardized tests assess 75 percent of community college students as “unprepared”—making them less likely to finish their education. But new research shows that these students are more prepared than the tests indicate. By being forced to take unnecessary remedial non-credit courses, community college students waste time and money.

The League of Women Voters of California is pleased to support AB 249 (Mullin and Levine), the California Disclose Act, which provides comprehensive regulation of advertisement disclosure and of the reporting of earmarking of funds.
The League believes that the methods of financing political campaigns should:

Joanne was an inspiring leader and we are grateful for her dedicated service to the League and California. We encourage you to make donations in her honor and we will send gift acknowledgement cards to her family.
You can read more about Joanne's legacy.

LWV is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.

In the League, this is the process by which we decide where and how we will focus our resources – member time, money, reputation – over the next two years. Where will the League have the most impact? What will help build the League name – and help build our organization? We hope many members participate as we address these crucial questions.

Sacramento, CA - This election, voters face long ballots and are being asked to weigh in on a wide variety of critical issues. Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, we’ve made the decisions easier.

Tell your Assembly Member to vote YES on SB 100 - the California Renewable Portfolio Standard Program. The climate crisis is endangering all aspects of our daily lives. We must act now to move away from fossil fuels and preserve a healthy and sustainable environment for ourselves and future generations. Fossil fuels account for 75 to 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions--but you can help change that.

The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2018 will create a “split roll”; non-residential, non-agricultural commercial property will be reassessed on a regular basis. This will lead to an estimated increase in property tax of over $11 billion per year -- revenue that will go directly to schools and local governments....

The swift action of League supporters like you helped put the California Disclose Act on the governor’s desk. Now, the flood of dark money coming into campaigns will be subject to greater transparency with the passage of the Disclose Act, AB 249.

The housing crisis is crushing California communities, driving families into homelessness and forcing them to choose between housing, food, and medical care. Today over 1.7 million families are paying over half of their incomes for housing. Nobody should go broke or hungry just to keep a roof over their head. Your Assembly Member is preparing to vote on an important housing package that will begin tackling this crisis. Please take a minute to urge your lawmakers to support affordable housing and vote YES on SB 2 and SB 3.

Help us get a GreatNonprofits 2017 Top-Rated Award, write a review of your experience with us! This helps us met our fundraising goals and empower more voters and future voters across California!
How else can you help?

Over 10 million immigrants live, work, and pay taxes in California. They are our family, our friends, and our coworkers. Recently federal agents have taken actions to detain and deport our law-abiding neighbors, tearing families apart. Undocumented residents are afraid to use community resources or cooperate with law enforcement efforts in their neighborhoods for fear of deportation. Take action to protect our immigrant families and values!

Our partners, Common Cause and McGeorge School of Law have put together an online resource for local governments interested in establishing local commissions: www.localredistricting.org. The site includes guidance on creating commissions, a database of every local redistricting ordinance passed in the state, research, and other resources. As part of the project, Common Cause has also committed to helping local organizations or jurisdictions interested in creating a commission with education, research, and drafting.

Hundreds of delegates representing local Leagues of Women Voters throughout the state will gather for their biennial convention, themed “A Capitol Connection,” on June 1-4 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, and California Budget and Policy Center Executive Director Chris Hoene are a few of the speakers who will address attendees. Find event details at http://lwvc.wordpress.com.

The Voting Modernization Bond Act of 2018, seeks $450 million to improve California’s voting systems. The funding would update aging equipment and modernize how the state conducts elections to improve the voting experience.

Washington, DC – Chris Carson, President of the League of Women Voters of the United States, issued the following statement after the House Speaker pulled the “American Health Care Act" (AHCA) from the House floor, canceling the House vote:

Ready to roll up your sleeves and do the education and organizing work to safeguard democracy? Or maybe looking for a way to stay up to date on the issues and take the occasional online action? Either way we welcome you! Membership is open to men and women, citizens and non-citizens of all ages.

Do you live in any of these counties: Los Angeles, San Mateo, Alameda, Sonoma or Santa Clara? If you do, you have local elections this March, April, May or June!
Get your ballot from Voter's Edge California: www.votersedge.org/ca
How will you vote about the issues impacting your community every day?

We oppose deportation of undocumented immigrants.
We reject discrimination based on religion, including orders or actions that target Muslims or immigrants from majority-Muslim nations.
We fight discrimination and any threats to civil and human rights.
Do you stand with us? Make our Voice Louder - Join Us!
Learn more about our position.

Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer today!
How can you volunteer with the League?
1. To help in your community, find your local League and ask today!
2. Contact us to volunteer on voter education and outreach projects like Voter's Edge California via email at lwvc [at] lwvc.org.

California Common Cause has published it's Municipal Democracy Index, a survey of the governance, election, and campaign practices of ALL 482 cities in California with info like:
· What form of government do most cities use;· Which offices are elected;· What voting system do cities use, including the number of cities using at-large, by-district, and from-district elections; and· Which cities have campaign contribution limits and which cities post campaign disclosures online.

Mark your calendars for our Convention in Sacramento, A Capital Connection! On June 1–June 4 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Visit our blog often for more information
Contact us with questions or to sponsor this event

Updated in its 16th edition, the Guide to California Government (G2CG) is designed to engage and inform readers by emphasizing the public’s role in California government. Order it now.
This easy to use book explains:

We need your help. For months, we’ve witnessed growing anti-government rhetoric in the media and in our public discourse. Accusations of “rigged elections” and “inherent corruption in our political process” have become commonplace. For many, memes have replaced journalism and threats and insults have replaced political debate.

Media outlets and nonprofit organizations can easily integrate ballot measure and candidate cards into any webpage to supplement their coverage of election contests and help voters research their ballots.

With 17 propositions on California’s general election ballot this year, voters are faced with many decisions, and some can be confusing. There is one ballot measure, however, that’s an easy “yes” vote. Proposition 54 will increase transparency in government, help ensure more thoughtful policy and allow all Californians to review, debate and contribute to the laws we live under.

The great news about the controversy-filled Nov. 8 election is that it is almost here. The scary news is that before we can be done with it, we have to prepare for it. And with 17 statewide ballot propositions and a slew of city and countywide measures awaiting our decisions, what we are looking at is less a civic sprint than a municipal marathon. Cue the blood, sweat and fears.

There are times when an issue is so important, people from all points of view come together to demand change. This is one of those times. Proposition 54 will bring transparency to our state Capitol by putting voters first and reducing the influence of the special interests.

We are partnering with the Pat Brown Institute and KABC7 on the ONLY debate between the two California candidates for the U.S. Senate, Loretta Sanchez and Kamala Harris, held on Wednesday, October 5 from 7:00-8:00 pm. Read more about the event.
How can I ask the U.S. Senate candidates a question?
Submit your questions for the candidates online by Friday, September 30.

Vote with the League! Here is our list of recommendations on the ballot measures for the November 8, 2016 Presidential Election. Share our flyer with your friends and family.
VOTE YES on 51 - School Bonds: K-12 and Community College

Voting is a fundamental right, enshrined in the Constitution and buttressed by historic state and federal laws after civil rights battles that continue today. Anyone concerned about voting rights must be heartened by recent court decisions overturning restrictive, discriminatory voting laws in other states. But we shouldn't ignore a threat to voting rights here at home -- a threat that is remedied by a bill currently in the legislature.

Learning about California government? Looking for a civic education textbook? Our new Guide to California Government (G2CG) is designed to engage and inform readers by emphasizing the public’s role in California government. This unique edition has handy info graphics explaining complicated structures of government, icons in the margins to link and highlight topics along with related Web sites so readers can find and access their government easily. Order it now.

Please take a moment to sign up for National Voter Registration Day 2016 now: bit.ly/MyNVRD2016. If you sign up now, you'll be mailed a packet of posters, stickers, and a toolkit explaining how you can participate.
When: Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

The June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election is just days away and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and LWVC President Helen Hutchison are urging voters to know their rights. The California Voter Bill of Rights can be found in the Voter Information Guide sent to every voting household. It is also available online in 10 different languages.

Each political party has the option of allowing people who register to vote without stating a political party preference ("no party preference" voters, formerly "decline-to-state" voters) to vote in their presidential primary election.
Are you a “no party preference” voter?
If you checked “I do not want to disclose a political party preference” on the voter registration form, you will not get a ballot containing the names of candidates running for president. Your ballot will contain all other races and ballot measures.

The Future of California
Elections annual conference brings together election administrators, community
organizations, and reform advocates to discuss the latest developments in the
field of elections. The 2016 conference will be your chance to learn about
California's new voter registration system and other ways to serve our diverse
electorate as well as an opportunity to engage with election colleagues from
across the State to build partnerships for a stronger California.

November 2015
The Make It Fair Coalition was formed to work for reform of Proposition 13 by changing the unfair way in which commercial property is taxed in California. The League of Women Voters of California joined the Make It Fair campaign because school districts and local governments in California desperately need more revenue to rebuild services and restore educational opportunities for the state’s children.

The League of Women Voters of California has submitted comments on the Administration’s plan to build twin tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta--the Bay Delta Conservation Plan/California WaterFix. We conclude that the environmental impact report/statement "fails not only to meet the League’s criteria for supporting new conveyance infrastructure in the Delta but also to conform to established law. We therefore cannot support the Administration’s California WaterFix."
Our letter states:

By Justine Fischer and Helen L. Hutchison--
California voters passed Proposition 2 last November to establish a statewide “rainy day” fund.
Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all law, SB 858, also passed last year as part of the state budget process. SB 858 prevents school districts from saving adequately to prepare for their own rainy day by setting a maximum average “reserve cap” of 6 percent on school districts reserves.

Now it's fast and easy to track the flow of campaign money in California ‪‎
using the new Cal-Access tool, ‪‎PowerSearch:http://powersearch.sos.ca.gov/
Power Search can be used to quickly search for contributions to candidates
and ballot measures and contributions from individuals, businesses and other
campaign committees.

What is National Voter Registration Day?
On September 22, 2015, volunteers,
celebrities, and organizations from all over the country will “hit the
streets” for National Voter Registration Day. This single day of
coordinated ﬁeld, technology and media efforts will create pervasive
awareness of voter registration opportunities–allowing us to reach tens
of thousands of voters who we could not reach otherwise.

Sacramento, CA -- Yesterday, legislators from both parties and both houses of the Legislature held a press conference with education, parent and good government groups to announce Senate Bill 799 (Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo), legislation that will fix the school budget reserve cap. SB 799 would give more flexibility to school districts to set aside reserve funds to best suit their students’ needs.

We are excited to announce that Dora Rose has joined the LWVCEF staff as
Senior Director for Civic Engagement. Many of you know Dora as the
consultant who led our Voter’s Edge California
pilot partnership with MapLight in the last election cycle. Prior to
moving to California, Dora worked as a civil rights litigator, policy
advocate, and voting rights activist.

The League of Women Voters of California Education
Fund is honored to have received a multi-year grant from The James Irvine
Foundation. This funding will support our work to increase voter participation
in underrepresented communities and improve voter information in state and
county elections.
Sign up to receive info on this important work.

We are ecstatic to announce that our former First
Vice President, Kathy Armstrong, and her partner Joanne have generously matched
$20,000 in new giving that was made this spring! A big THANK YOU to Kathy and
Joanne – and thank you to all of you who made gifts this spring that have now
been doubled.

To help implement the voter
guide recommendations from the Best
Practices Manual for Official Voter Information Guides, a series of four
webinars were presented on April 27 and May 1, 2015.
YouTube links to each of the webinars is below or you can view all of the webinars through a LWVCEF YouTube playlist.

In
the November 2014 election, only 31% of eligible Californians voted and young
people and people of color continued to be underrepresented. Although many
factors contribute to low voter turnout, we believe that voter information is
an important tool to engage and expand the electorate.

Happy 95th birthday to the League of Women Voters! Celebrate by buying a gift membership for someone special in your life!
Read more about our campaign what it means to be a League member.
Meet our members and join us!

We would like to thank our newest sponsors:
Thomas and Veronica Seay of Solana Beach
Gary Nessim of Carlsbad
The League of Women Voters of Sacramento County
The League of Women Voters of San Francisco
View our full list of our 2015 Convention sponsors and become one today!
Register for our Convention.

The Future of California Elections (FOCE), a collaboration between election officials, civil rights organizations and election reform advocates to examine and address the unique challenges facing the State of California's election system, is hosting a conference from February 18-19, 2015 at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Be a force for change in California by
donating! Your tax-deductible gift to the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund will help us engage all Californians in civic life and get more voters to the polls in 2016.

The League of Women Voters of California is on the front lines fighting for voting rights in our state. Despite the growing influence of money in politics across the country, we’re making progress here in California.

Only 30% of eligible Californians voted in the November election. If this number alarms you, then join with the League of Women Voters of California to be a force for change. Let’s get more voters to the polls in 2016—our democracy depends on it!

Do you want strong leadership in California? When you make a gift to the League of Women Voters of California, you help us empower and train leaders in every area of our democracy—whether educating voters, advocating for transparency in government, or tackling the most challenging social and economic issues of the day. Please give today, and help us grow the next generation of California leaders.

Election Day is over, and it is once again safe to open the mail box, answer the phone, and leave the TV unmuted during commercials. Each election, the League of Women Voters of California helps voters like you cut through the endless clutter of biased and dishonest election information. We proudly remain the most trusted and unbiased source of voter information in California. But we couldn’t do it without your help.

Who will you vote for on November 4?
Learn more about the candidates running for statewide office this election. Check out our playlist of video interviews done in partnership with The California Channel﻿ as part of the Free Airtime Project: http://bit.ly/FreeAirTimeProjectInterviews.
You will hear from candidates vying for:

In the spring, hundreds of people gathered for two California
Secretary of State Forums – one in Los Angeles
and the other in San
Diego. The events sparked a great
statewide Twitter conversation. Why? Because the Secretary of State race is being
called the race

Have
you heard the great news?
Dorah Caroline Mafabi, Managing Partner of the Center
for Social Economic Rights Protection in Uganda, has joined the LWVCEF team. She will be
supporting voter service and education programs for the November election as
part of a four-month fellowship of the Community Solutions
Program of the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with IREX.

SB 52, California DISCLOSE Act, Fails to Pass Out of the Legislature
The League has supported SB 52 (Leno), the California DISCLOSE Act that would have required the largest funders of political ads to be clearly and legibly identified on the ads themselves. It would have given voters useful, readily understood information about the sources of funding of television, radio, and print ads and robocalls.

California Online Voter Registration Webinar: Strategies for Using COVR in your Community Efforts
As part of the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund's ongoing effort to create awareness for California Online Voter Registration (COVR) and increase use of the translated versions of the tool, we have partnered with the Future of California Elections (FoCE) to provide a free webinar on Friday, September 5 at 10:00 a.m. PST.

Come hear the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
discuss critical issues impacting preschool-through-12th-grade public instruction in California. This public event will be held on September 17, 2014 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the LA County Office of Education, LACOE Conference Center, Education Center West - 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, 90242. Read and share the flyer.

Why Does Civic Learning Matter?
It is essential that the youth of today learn early on how to live in society. They must learn to speak up. They must learn to understand and appreciate the views of others. They must learn how to reach consensus and implement decisions. It is not enough for them to be lectured to; they must get hands-on experience. This is why youth civic learning for is so important to the League.

Final Recommendations from California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning Presented to Chief Justice and Superintendent of Public Instruction
Implementation of civic learning recommendations sought in all K-12 schools.

The ACLU of California’s NVRA Implementation Project works with public assistance offices and offices serving people with disabilities, county elections offices, and the Secretary of State to improve implementation of the NVRA across California. The NVRA Toolkit was developed for use by agency workers, NVRA coordinators, and county elections officials. The complete version of the toolkit can be downloaded here.

By Helen Hutchison --
California’s school funding system – known formally as the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) – provides the opportunity for renewed civic engagement in our schools. LCFF stands to empower citizens to fully participate in a democratic process that’s occurring right in their backyard and to have a meaningful role in local decisions for the benefit of all students. It’s an exciting time to witness such a dynamic and new model of civic participation; however, greater transparency will determine the success of this new school funding approach.

Voter's Edge, an online national
resource for voter information, announces the upcoming release of its
comprehensive database of nonpartisan information on candidates and ballot
measures in the 2014 election. The Voter's Edge API will give developers
the ability to build web applications with customized election data on their
own media platforms. The Voter's Edge API will be made freely available by
MapLight in July 2014.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR ALERT
AB 1866 (Bocanegra): Pupil Attendance – SUPPORT
The Legislature’s enactment of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and other recent efforts have rightly focused on student attendance, chronic absence, truancy, restorative practices, school climate and student engagement. All of these have been elevated by the Legislature knowing that children must be in school to succeed.

California Has Historic Opportunity to Make This a Big Year for Little Kids
May 2014
By Joanne Leavitt, Program Director for Early Childhood Education for the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC)

As legislators work to pass the 2014-15 state budget, the LWVC has joined Early Edge California and more than 40 other organizations in sending letters to Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, urging them to make early learning a top priority.
California has a historic opportunity to provide every child, starting with those who need it most, with high-quality early education, setting them on a path to future success.

­May 21, 2014
The Honorable Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Democratic Governors Association Lawsuit
Dear Governor Brown:
Since 1974 the League of Women Voters has applied its principles of open and representative government to political campaigns. In California, the League has supported the Legislature's efforts to enact meaningful campaign finance reform. We appreciate your endorsement of these efforts, including recently signing SB 27.

League Opposes BDCP EIR Certification
The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) has asked that the EIR/EIS for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) not be certified. LWVC President Jennifer A. Waggoner stated, “It is unlikely that the preferred alternative will meet the coequal goals of providing a reliable water supply and protecting, restoring and enhancing the Delta ecosystem.”

May 14, 2014--Today the Governor signed Senate Bill 27 (Correa), which will help ensure that campaign contributors can no longer use "dark money" loopholes to avoid disclosure. California voters will be better able to follow the money in campaigns and make more informed decisions at the polls. Many thanks to the many League members and others who supported this important bill!
Californians were shocked by an $11 million contribution to a ballot measure campaign shortly before the November 2012 election -- and the true sources of the money have still not been fully disclosed.

Why Should I Vote in the June Election?
There
may still be some voters who consider a June Primary as something they can
“skip” and wait for the November election. It’s important for all voters to know that our choices in June will
determine what we see on our November ballot. Every election counts just as every vote counts!

Videos of the Pros & Cons for June Ballot Measures are Ready!
In partnership with The California Channel, The League of Women Voters of
California Education Fund has produced pro and con videos on each of the ballot
measures to help educate voters for the June 3 election.
These videos can be found on the LWVCEF YouTube Channel.

Judge Orders Restoration of Voting Rights for Tens of Thousands of Californians
--Lawsuit Filed by ACLU, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Charged Secretary of State Debra Bowen with Illegal Voter Disenfranchisement
OAKLAND, Calif. – An Alameda County Superior Court Judge today ruled that Secretary of State Debra Bowen illegally stripped tens of thousands of people of their voting rights two years ago, saying people on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and mandatory supervision under California’s Criminal Justice Realignment Act are eligible to vote.

Through a settlement just announced, millions of Californians who have applied for health benefits through the state health exchange, Covered California, will be mailed a voter registration card, and the opportunity to register to vote will be integrated into future applications.

Death penalty supporters filed an initiative for the November 2014 election -- to radically alter death penalty procedures in California and make them more like those in Texas or Virginia.
SAFE California (a group we support) sprang into action as soon as we knew (back in December). We convened legal and policy experts to conduct a thorough analysis.
Why Do We Oppose This Initiative?

When the legislature reconvenes in January, our bills to shine a light on money in California elections will come up for a floor vote. Take action now by contacting your Assembly Members to vote YES on SB 2 and SB 27!

LWVC Guidance—EPA Listening Session
Climate change is now. Heat records are being broken, glaciers are melting, the seas are rising and we have a moral obligation to protect are children and future generations from the even greater impacts of climate change that will occur if we don’t do something today.

The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (LWVCEF) has received a grant from the Irvine Foundation for a project to develop a best practices manual for all of California’s Official Voter Information Guides.
The manual will present recommendations on how to meet the needs of California’s diverse voters and increase engagement, including:

On October 24, 2013, the California Fair Political Practices Commission announced a settlement in the case of secret money donated to the campaign to defeat Proposition 30 and support Proposition 32 in the November 2012 election. The settlement includes a record $1 million fine, based on two donations, one for $4 million, and one for $11 million. Neither of these donations were properly reported according to California law.

SACRAMENTO–SB 3 was vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown today. The bill called for the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Fair Political Practices Commission, to look into the technological requirement and cost for a modern online database for campaign finance & lobbying disclosures.

Coalition urges BLM to halt Calif. leases until studies are done
Published: Friday, October 4, 2013
A broad coalition of mostly environmental and public health advocates today asked the Bureau of Land Management to cancel all oil and natural gas lease sales on federal lands in the state until after it has finished a broad analysis of the environmental impacts of drilling and the use of hydraulic fracturing.

Enrollment opened today at http://www.CoveredCA.com/ Covered California is a new marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses can now enroll for affordable health insurance to take effect January, 2014.

Do you know how to look up the list of bills the LWVC supports and opposes, with their up-to-the-minute status, links to our letters on them, etc.? At this time of year, the Bill Status Report page also lists the bills that have been passed by the legislature and sent to the Governor for his signature. Visit that page to find:

SB 4 (Pavley) was passed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor on September 11. This bill establishes a framework for regulating fracking and "acidization" of oil and gas wells that is likely the strongest in the country. The League has concerns about recent amendments to the bill. Read our statement and

From 2013 to 2015, we will have the opportunity to observe the 50th anniversaries of four of our nation’s seminal civil rights tipping points. Join us in celebrating, educating, and taking action for civil rights!

The League only acts on issues we have studied. The entire process, from the selection of the issues through the adoption of a policy statement on the issue, is based on the League’s values, organizational structure, and processes.

The chairs of a joint task force established by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson have announced a schedule of public hearings and a timeline to produce recommendations on revamping civics curriculum in California schools.

Most of the U.S. Census data about voting and registration from the
November 2012 general election focus on voters, but it also examines why
nonvoters did not vote. According to analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the two (of 11 possible) most common reasons
were:

New Report
Examines Whether California Citizens Redistricting Commission Was Transparent
and Democratic in Drawing District Lines
Findings will also show whether
Californians approve of the job of the commission and what must change
for future commissions to be successful

The League of Women Voters of California has a series of priorities: the Issues for Education and Advocacy set every two years at the LWVC convention, the legislative priorities set for each legislative session by the board, and the core issues of the League that include redistricting, elections, initiative and referendum process, voting rights, campaign finance reform and reproductive choices.

Regulation of fracking (hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas production) must ensure that public health, safety and the environment are protected by disclosure and oversight. Read our letter to DOGGR, the state Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources, in response to their "discussion draft" of regulations.

Show Your Support of Marriage Equality
In just a few short weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider two cases about the freedom to marry: the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8. Events are happening all over the country to raise awareness and show support for equal rights. Download flyers and other materials in the Organizing Toolkit. Attend a training. Find a way to show support of marriage equality in your community: http://www.lighttojustice.org/

Are you looking for something new and meaningful for your book club? Check out these resources in San Francisco, or ask your local library if they will put together something similar for your community.

Sacramento, February 27, 2013 — Senators Ted W. Lieu of Torrance and Leland Yee of San Francisco/San Mateo today announced language to Senate Bill 2 – part of their two-bill package to strengthen the California Political Reform Act.

On February 17, League members gathered with people from across the country for the largest rally on climate change in U.S. history! The Forward on Climate Rally took place on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and aimed to let the Obama Administration know that there exists strong public support for climate change action. Rallies also took place across the country, including notable ones in our state in:

The Easy Voter Guide is your quick nonpartisan guide to the March 5, 2013 citywide elections in Los Angeles and is available in English,
and Spanish.
You can contact the LWV LA to order yours at, 213- 368-1616.

“Do We Have to Take This Much Initiative?” was the title of a stimulating discussion of the initiative and referendum process in California and how it can be improved. Trudy Schafer, LWVC’s Senior Director for Program, moderated a panel discussion sponsored by LWV North County San Diego and LWV San Diego on January 25.

On the November 2012 statewide ballot, there were 10 initiatives and 1 referendum for California voters to decide on. In May 2011, the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) adopted a study to update of their position on the initiative and referendum (I&R) process.

Our Letter to the Editor:
The League of Women Voters of California, a long-time advocate of citizen involvement in the political process, is concerned about recent assaults on the California Environmental Quality Act.
CEQA is one of the few state laws ensuring that the public can weigh in on major land use decisions. It helps assure that both decision-makers and the public have adequate information to make informed decisions and that significant environmental impacts are avoided.

This morning, our own Trudy Schafer moderated the Future of California Elections conference panel "Election Reforms: What Should We Prioritize for 2013 and Beyond?"
Description
California has an opportunity to champion election reforms that will increase voter participation and access, promote election security and accountability, and improve the way our elections are run. This panel discussed potential priorities for electoral reform.
Panelists

We have an amazing community of members, volunteers and donors. In this video, we asked Carole, Robbie and Susan to share what inspires them to donate to the League.
Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVQN6hVkww.
DONATE: http://www.lwvcdonations.org/program-detail?id=1591.

Amid the frenzy of this November’s election, the League
entered a brand new era in online information with the launch of Smart Voter’s “Next
Generation” website. As the first complete redesign of the service
in its fifteen year history, the innovative new site delivers an exceptional experience
that is as easy to navigate on a small smartphone touchscreen as on a big
desktop computer. In addition to offering

As you reflect on our recent successes and the challenges still in front of us, you must ask: What lies ahead for California and our democracy?
In 2013, the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund will rely on
our grassroots force for good as we implement ambitious new plans.
These plans embody our legacy while positioning us to lead the charge
for a better California.

The League of Women Voters of California hails the voters’ decisions on key propositions yesterday, as they passed Propositions 30 and 40 and defeated Proposition 32. However, we note with regret the defeat of Proposition 34.
“Voters recognize that restoring the California Dream requires investment in education and public services,” said LWVC President Jennifer A. Waggoner. “Proposition 30 sets us on the path toward financial stability and adequate funding for vital services our government must provide for California.”

Sacramento, CA – California Common Cause, the League of Women Voters of California, and the Fair Political Practices Commission will work together to develop and introduce legislation in the upcoming session to improve California’s campaign finance disclosure laws. This partnership is committed to giving Californians as much information as possible about who is funding campaign ads and messages so voters can make informed decisions.

With less than two weeks until the November election, The League of
Women Voters of California Education Fund is powering the vote. The
League is preparing voters in California to feel confident when casting
their vote using these trusted, nonpartisan resources:
1. Need info and videos on the statewide ballot measures?
View NEW ballot measure videos produced in partnership with the California Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/LWVCEF.

In partnership with the California Channel, The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund has produced pro and con videos on each of the ballot measures to help educate voters. These videos can be found on the LWVCEF YouTube Channel.

Do you know your rights on Election Day?
Use this handy Know Your Rights Card from the ACLU to be prepared on Election Day.
November 6 is near, make sure you know your rights on Election Day and share it with a friend.

The Secretary of State’s
office, in coordination with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the 58 county
elections officials, made easier the process of voter registration in California.
Now, any eligible California
voter who has access to the Internet and a driver’s license or ID signature on
file with the DMV can register whenever and wherever it is convenient.

Should your state or community have an
independent redistricting commission? We held a webinar on July 11, 2012 to
talk about the overwhelming success of California's
2011 redistricting process.
Connie
Galambos Malloy and Stanley Forbes, two members of California’snew Citizens Redistricting Commission, joined League members who
worked to establish this revolutionary reform to discuss how the independent,
transparent and fair redistricting process worked in California.

SmartVoter.org: Last Minute Voting Help!
Don't let anything stop you from voting -- our democracy needs YOU! Not sure if your polling place moved? Can't decide which candidate you should pick for city council, school board or judge? Need to listen to a recorded debate to decide? Never heard about a local bond measure?

As the Citizens Redistricting Commission formally adopts its final
redistricting maps today, the League of Women Voters of California congratulates
both the commissioners and the state of California on a job well done. “The
voters put their trust in a new redistricting process when they passed
Proposition 11 in November 2008, and the commission has more than fulfilled that
trust,” stated LWVC President Jennifer A. Waggoner. “This citizen-driven process

The California State Auditor, Elaine M. Howle, held a landmark public drawing to select the names of the first eight commissioners to serve on California’s first Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission). As required by the Voters First Act, the State Auditor randomly selected three applicants from a sub pool of registered Democrats, three applicants from a sub pool of registered Republicans, and two from a sub pool of applicants who are either Decline-to-State or belong to another party.

New Website from California State Library and League of Women Voters Gives Overwhelmed Voters a Reliable Starting Place
Sacramento - It's less than three weeks until the November 2, 2010 Statewide General Election. California voters are being asked to make decisions about representatives for a long list of state offices and nine state propositions, as well as local offices and measures. Many voters are overwhelmed by the complexity of the ballot and confused by the barrage of partisan ads.

Secretary of State Debra Bowen has assigned numbers to the ten propositions that have been certified to appear on the November 2, 2010 Statewide General Election ballot. The Secretary of State's office is currently inviting interested individuals and groups to submit arguments for and against these ten measures. The arguments will be included in the Official Voter Information Guide (also known as the ballot pamphlet) that is mailed to every voting household in California.

View the Supertindent of Public Instruction Candidates Forum moderated by LWVCEF President Janis R. Hirohama held at the California State PTA Convention on Friday, April 30, 2010. This forum features candidates Larry Aceves, Diane Lenning, Gloria Romero and Tom Torlakson. Video offered by www.calchannel.com.

Video: get out the vote!
http://www.dogooder.tv/Orgs/LWVla/default.aspx?MovieID=3701
Our new public service announcement encourages people to vote and use SmartVoter.org to look up their polling place and find all the information they need to vote.